Bishop Paul Colton, Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross has made the following statement this morning:

Like everyone else in Cork City and County I woke this morning to the shocking pictures of the floods in the suburbs of Cork City and in County Cork. It was with disbelief that I looked at the pictures of my home village of Douglas through which we drove, only yesterday, to the Church of Ireland Church for my mother’s funeral.

My wife and I know personally many who live and make their livelihoods in premises in Douglas village and, not only there, but also in the other parts of the outer city and county that have been badly affected. I am mindful also that there has been similar flooding in other parts of our island, particularly in Belfast.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected and whose lives have now been thrown into chaos and vulnerability. Equally, I assure all in the emergency services and civic authorities of my solidarity and prayerful support.